Open Access Publications

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Open access publications by faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition.

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Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Promote Walking Behavior and Reduce Stationary Time in Physically Inactive Adults: Protocol for the Walking With JITAIs Study
(JMIR Research Protocols, 2026-01-07) Firkin, Cora J; Vemuri, Ajith; Rahman, Tanvir; Bodt, Barry; Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth; Decker, Keith; Dominick, Gregory M
Background: A Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) recognizes the dynamic nature of individuals’ states and contexts, predicts support needs, and sends tailored support at more opportune, actionable times. Objective: This paper outlines the application architecture and protocol for the pilot “Walking With Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions” (WWJ) study, which uses a JITAI approach to improve walking behavior—duration, speed, and distance—and reduce stationary time, defined as idle sitting or standing. Methods: This study targets 20 adults who are physically inactive and leverages the Apple Watch to deliver fully automated tailored intervention notifications to “walk faster,” “walk longer,” or “stand up and move around” based on real-time data and contextual factors, including time-of-day activity patterns, geographic locations (eg, home, work, park, and gymnasium), weather conditions (eg, precipitation, wind speed, and humidity), and receptiveness. The protocol involves a preintervention assessment of demographics, behavior change constructs, anthropometrics, and resting vital signs; a 2-week observation period to establish walking behavior and stationary time baselines; a 2-week just-in-time learning period to evaluate receptiveness to untailored prompts at all applicable times; the 2-week JITAI intervention phase; and a postintervention assessment. Feasibility will be evaluated through protocol fidelity, participant adherence, Apple Watch wear-time compliance, user burden, acceptability ratings, and perceptions of benefits and preferences. Results: The WWJ architecture development began in spring 2021 and concluded in fall 2022. Participant recruitment and enrollment began in fall 2022. A total of 18 participants were recruited. Upon completion of the analyses, the results of this study are expected to be submitted for publication. Conclusions: Distinctively, the WWJ just-in-time learning period aims to train the learner based on user receptiveness within contexts by sending interventions whenever a participant meets the predetermined thresholds regardless of the likelihood that the user will be receptive to the notification to prune out non opportune or “nonactionable” times. This approach may allow for greater customization during the JITAI period.
Efficacy of Mobile Applications and Face-to-Face Social Interaction on Physical Activity, Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Insufficiently Active College Students
(International Journal of Digital Health and Telemedicine, 2025-10-09) Lee, Jung E; McCullough, Mikayla; Oh, Yoonsin; Lee, Daehyoung
The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of mobile app-based intervention and face-to-face social interaction on physical activity and psychological outcomes in insufficiently active college students. Fourteen college students (Mage= 19.9, SD=1.1; 9 females) participated in a 4-week intervention using Samsung Health and Snapchat mobile applications, along with weekly in-person group meetings. Step counts were measured using Tri-Axis Pedometer (OMRON HJ-303), while exercise motivation and self-efficacy were assessed using Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-E) and 12-item abbreviated version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Habit Survey. Paired t-tests compared pre- and post- intervention outcomes. Results indicated significant improvements in introjected regulation, identified regulation, intrinsic motivation, and exercise self-efficacy. Average daily step counts increased from 5,839 to 6,610 steps, although this change was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that integrating mobile health apps with peer social support is feasible and may enhance exercise motivation and self-efficacy in insufficiently active college students. Fitness and health professionals may consider leveraging integrated online and offline interventions to optimize physical activity outcomes.
Health Outcomes Associated with Community Senior Center Fitness Classes: Influence of Activity Type and Baseline Physical Activity Level
(OBM Geriatrics, 2025-09-12) Schade, Serena A.; O’Hanlon, Julia; Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth
Senior centers serve as community anchors for the approximately 57.8 million older adults in the U.S., offering a range of health promotion programs, including exercise classes. This study examined how the type of exercise programs at senior centers influences older adults’ health (mental, physical, and quality of life) and how baseline physical activity levels may influence these changes as part of a statewide health promotion program evaluation in senior centers in Delaware. The exercise programs offered were based on each senior center’s needs, increasing the feasibility and accessibility of these classes. Data was categorized by type of exercise class attended, “aerobic” (n = 63), “muscular strengthening” (n = 44), “balance and flexibility” (n = 20), or mixed class type participation (n = 13). Participants (n = 141; age: 74.4 ± 8.1 yrs; 87.1% female) attended exercise classes at their respective senior centers across the state of Delaware. Participants completed pre-and post-program assessments of perceived mental and physical health, quality of life, and physical activity level. Participants’ baseline physical activity levels were “Inactive” (n = 54), “Moderately Active” (n = 24), or “Active” (n = 45). A linear regression model was used to examine whether health outcomes were predicted by the type of exercise class and baseline physical activity level. Class type, baseline physical activity levels, age, and sex did not significantly predict post-program perceived physical and mental health or quality of life. However, pre-program scores of physical health, mental health, and quality of life significantly predicted their associated post-program health outcome scores. Overall, regardless of exercise class type, age, sex, or pre-participation physical activity, senior center exercise classes positively impact mental health and quality of life amongst older adults. These findings indicate that senior center exercise programs may be a cost-effective public health strategy to support healthy aging, by improving older adults’ mental health and quality of life.
Body composition in patients with obesity‐related heartfailure with preserved ejection fraction: A comparison study
(Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2025-09-20) Salmons, Hannah; Ahmed, Syed Imran; Billingsley, Hayley E.; Reavey‐Cantwell, Alexander; Markley, Roshanak; Golino, Michele; Giuseppe Del Buono, Marco; Damonte, Juan Ignacio; Pinel, Sebastian; Franco, R. Lee; Abbate, Antonio; Earthman, Carrie P.; Carbone, Salvatore
Background: Appendicular lean mass index is a major determinant of cardiorespi-ratory fitness in patients with obesity‐related heart failure with preserved ejectionfraction (HFpEF). Moreover, appendicular lean mass index can be used to diagnosesarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in this population. We aimed to validate theability of segmental single‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SF‐BIA) toassess body composition compared with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) inpatients with HFpEF and obesity, with a focus on appendicular lean mass index forits critical role in diagnosing sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.
Direct Observation of COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Physical Activity in Public Open Spaces
(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022-01-22) Suminski, Richard R.; Dominick, Gregory M.; Wagner, Norman J.; Obrusnikova, Iva
Mask wearing and physical distancing are effective at preventing COVID-19 transmission. Little is known about the practice of these behaviors during physical activity (PA). In this longitudinal study, direct observation was used to describe COVID-19 prevention behaviors among physically active individuals. The Viral Transmission Scan (VT-Scan) was used to assess COVID-19 prevention behaviors of people standing, sitting, walking, jogging, and cycling in educational, retail, and residential areas. The VT-Scan was performed once per week over 22 weeks between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Information was manually extracted from videos collected during VT-Scans. A total of 4153 people were described, of which 71.2% were physically active, 80.0% were 18–30 years of age, 14.0% were non-white, 61.0% were female, and were 19.6% obese. Individuals not engaged in PA were less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than physically active people. Compliance differed by PA type, with walkers less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than joggers and cyclists. Among those physically active, non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention behaviors was higher in 18–30-year-olds, whites, and men. Engagement in COVID-19 prevention behaviors varies as a function of PA. Efforts to promote compliance with recommendations may benefit from tailored messaging, taking into account PA participation, PA type, and characteristics of physically active individuals.
Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, and Support (PMCS) of Southern New Jersey: Suicide prevention using human experience and social determinants of health
(Patient Experience Journal, 2025-08-07) Poorani, Ali A.; Jacobs, Matthew; Carney, Patrick; Tomasetti, Jaclyn
Suicide prevention is a high priority for Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Recent data show an increase in suicide rates, especially among Veterans that had not used VHA health services and nor had received any VHA benefits. Meanwhile, data collected for the past two decades reveals a decline in suicide rates among Veterans who were recent VHA users with mental health or substance use disorders.1 The objective of the Peer Mentoring, Camaraderie, and Support (PMCS)ProgramwastoexplorenovelwaystoreengageandreintegrateVeteransintotheirearnedVAhealthcare benefits, and examine the effectiveness of this new initiative by providing excellent human experience and social support to mitigate Veteran suicide in South New Jersey. The PMCS name is taken from an acronym that is used by the United States Army referring to “Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services,” which includes tasks that are completed on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis to ensure the overall combat readiness of military equipment. Thus, PMCS closely resonates with Veterans, but this time the focus is not on equipment but rather on their overall wellness and mental health readiness. This case study addresses recruitment, selection, onboarding, and orientation methods, as well as Veterans experience journey with emphasis on the Veterans Social Determinants of Health goals. The results demonstrate significant improvements across multiple clinical and psychosocial measures. Notably, there was a 77.8% reduction in suicidality (C-SSRS), a 35.2% decrease in depression symptoms (PHQ-9), a 23.6% decrease in PTSD symptoms, and a 22.7% reduction in anxiety symptoms (GAD-7). In parallel, participants showed a 33.7% increase in perceived interpersonal support and a 26.8% improvement in psychosocial functioning. As such, PCMS model offers a potential promise for suicide mitigation.
Health risks of under-five children with protein- energy malnutrition at a health Centre in Ngor-Okpala L.G.A of Imo State
(World Journal of Advanced Research and Review, 2025-03-26) Melah, Amarachi Grace; Aghworo, Eloho Mathilda; Nwachukwu, Favour Chinemerem; Ekekwe, Adaora Chiamaka; Popoola, Covenant Mosetoluwa; Salako, Mautin Oluwatosin; Ige, Mark Akinola; Adewoye, Mary Adebimpe; Ale, Olubukola Sarah; Nneji, Patricia Okwuchi
Background: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is an acute form of malnutrition caused by inadequate intake of calories and proteins and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Nigeria. This study assessed the health risks associated with protein-energy malnutrition among under-five children managed at a health centre in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State. Method: The descriptive research design was adopted for the study, and a total of 350 respondents were sampled. The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Results: The results indicated that 62.00% and 41.00% of the children were at health risk due to PEM. Parental education level, parity, poverty, and ignorance were some of the socio-demographic factors affecting PEM. (X² = 3.357, df = 2, p = 0.000) indicated that there was a significant relationship between PEM and parental socio-demographic background. Conclusion: These findings point out that PEM poses serious health risks, while targeted health education programs focusing on nutrition by caregivers are of utmost urgency in the study area. Community-based interventions on proper nutrition can also greatly help to minimize the health risks of malnutrition in under-five children.
Food Choices and Diet-Related Disparities Among Socioeconomically Diverse White and African American Urban Women
(Dietetics, 2025-03-03) Kuczmarski, Marie Fanelli; Cotugna, Nancy; Evans, Michele K.; Zonderman, Alan B.
Health disparities have been associated with diet quality inequalities. Study objectives were to determine if race and/or income were associated with the diet quality of White and African American urban women and to compare core food and beverage categories consumed at eating occasions by diet quality within race and income groups. Two 24 h dietary recalls were collected on 1219 women interviewed in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study, 2013–2017. Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 scores were calculated. Linear regression Model 1 included race, marital status, and age. Model 2 included Model 1 variables plus income, education, literacy, employment, enough money for food, and food security. Core food categories and most frequently consumed items were identified at five eating occasions within the first and third tertile HEI-2010. Diet quality was associated with age, education, literacy, and employment. More fruit and vegetable categories at meals and snacks, and more water as a top beverage, were observed for women whose diets were in the third HEI-2010 tertile. The majority of foods reported by women in the first HEI-2010 tertile would be considered ultra-processed. The health benefits of consuming more minimally processed foods and unsweetened beverages may reduce health disparity gaps.
Gamified Mobile Health Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity in Autistic Adults
(Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 2024-12-10) Lee, Daehyoung; Frey, Georgia C.; Shih, Patrick C.
Physical inactivity and sedentarism among autistic adults are a growing public health concern. Focusing on the integration of behavior change theories and emphasizing the unique preference for visuospatial learning and gaming technology, we hypothesize that gamified mobile health (mHealth) applications can be effective at increasing free-living physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in autistic adults.
The Effects of the Global Pandemic on Women Athletic Training Students as They Transitioned to Practice
(Athletic Training Education Journal, 2025-01-08) Kloepfer, Marlaina E.; Gardiner-Shires, Alison M.; Duckett, Emily A.; Wood, Heather N.
Context The transition to practice process is complex and facilitated by many formal and informal processes. The coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic presented unique challenges for athletic trainers. An identity-specific focus is necessary to understand better the transition to practice process during the pandemic. Objective To understand (1) what socializing factors influence a cohort of women athletic trainers who graduated from the same professional master’s (PM) athletic training program as they transitioned to practice and (2) the unique challenges the women athletic trainers faced as they sought employment and transitioned into their first professional roles during the pandemic. Design Qualitative phenomenological cohort study. Setting Semistructured, in-depth, 1-on-1 videoconference interviews. Patients or other Participants Six women (24.83 ± .96 years old) who graduated from the same PM athletic training program now working in various athletic training settings. Data Collection and Analysis We conducted semistructured interviews via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). Interviews were transcribed, and a general phenomenological approach to analysis was used. Member checks, multiple analyst triangulation, and peer review were used to ensure trustworthiness. Results Three main themes emerged that describe the effects of the pandemic on the transition to practice of women athletic trainers: (1) personal identity, (2) relational identity, and (3) professional identity. Several subthemes were also identified to further illustrate the participants’ lived experiences. Conclusions Although some of the participants’ socialization and transition to practice experiences were similar to other graduates described in the literature, the personal, relational, and professional identities of these women athletic trainers were influenced by the pandemic. The participants purposefully sought women mentors to assist them with navigating the challenges of developing a professional identity during the pandemic. There is a need to create gender-specific networks to support individuals during their growth from novice to professional.
Implementing and evaluating the comprehensive integration of physical activity into a major health system: study design and protocol
(BMJ Open, 2025-01-06) Stoutenberg, Mark; Estabrooks, Paul A.; Brooks, John M.; Jindal, Meenu; Wichman, Christopher; Rosemeyer, James; Schumacher, Leah M.; McNulty, Lia K.; Ewing, Alex; Eskuri, Stephanie; Bennett, Frankie; Trilk, Jennifer L.
Introduction The healthcare sector has great potential for promoting physical activity (PA) for chronic disease prevention, treatment and management; however, multiple adoption and implementation barriers exist, ranging from practice integration to information flow. In 2016, Exercise is Medicine Greenville (EIMG), a comprehensive clinic-to-community approach that involves PA assessment, recommendation and/or prescription and provider-based referral of patients to community-based PA programmes, was launched by Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. Since inception, variability has emerged in adoption and implementation, impacting patient reach, referral rates and engagement in the community-based PA programmes, highlighting the need for closer evaluation and refinement of strategies to maximise programme impact. Methods and analysis This pragmatic study will examine the adoption, implementation and reach of EIMG. 20 Prisma Health primary care clinics will be invited to adopt EIMG. In Phase I, adopting clinics will receive a standardised EIMG instructional video followed by EIMG activation, allowing providers to refer eligible patients to a 12-week evidence-informed PA programme offered at local community facilities. In Phase II, adopting clinics will receive a more in-depth EIMG onboard training. At adopting clinics, referral rates of eligible patients will be tracked over both phases (each lasting 4 months). A mixed-methods approach will explore factors related to EIMG adoption, achieving optimal implementation and reach, and patient enrolment in the PA programmes. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework will inform the assessment of implementation outcomes, while the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework will be used to explore contextual factors influencing patient-level and clinic-level outcomes. Ethics and dissemination We received ethical approval to conduct this study from the Prisma Health IRB Committee A (#1963762). The results of this study have the potential to significantly enhance clinical practice and improve health outcomes related to integrating a clinic-to-community PA model in health systems to connect patients with community-based PA resources. Information gained from this study will lead to the refinement of a generalisable approach to inform future implementation strategies on optimising and scaling up the integration of comprehensive PA models in US health systems and be disseminated through conference presentations, publication in peer-reviewed journals and direct work with health systems. Trial registration number NCT06073041. Strengths and limitations of this study - This study will evaluate the scaling up of an existing physical activity (PA) referral pathway to additional clinical sites in a major US health system. - Primary care clinics will have the opportunity to adopt the PA referral pathway, followed by a mixed-methods evaluation of factors influencing the decision-making process. - Provider-level adoption (engaging at least one patient in the PA referral pathway) will also be evaluated through a mixed-methods approach using the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. - One potential limitation is our ability to engage non-adopting clinics and providers in obtaining their insight into the adoption and utilisation of the PA referral pathway.
Prevalence and correlates of disordered eating at a large state university before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
(Journal of Eating Disorders, 2024-10-01) Pacanowski, Carly R.; Skubisz, Christine; Borton, David; Ryding, Rachel
Background Emerging adulthood is a transitory period in which disordered eating (DE) manifests; collecting data on the prevalence of DE among this population as well as demographic and behavioral correlates are important public health goals. Methods Data from an annual survey of undergraduate students at a large state university from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed, allowing researchers to compare prevalence and correlates before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic using two brief screeners: the SCOFF and Eating Disorder Screener for Primary Care (ESP). We hypothesized that rates of DE would be greater after the onset of COVID-19 as compared to before. We also hypothesized that those identifying as women, reporting higher alcohol or drug use, and contemplating suicide would have greater odds of reporting symptoms consistent with DE. Results DE was significantly lower in pre-pandemic years compared to pandemic years: ESP pre = 38.01%(n = 704), pandemic = 48.79%(n = 645), p < 0.001; SCOFF pre = 22.82%(n = 422), pandemic = 31.46%(n = 414), p < 0.001. Logistic regressions showed women and students who contemplated suicide reported significantly greater DE, regardless of screener or time period. Inconsistent relationships were found between DE and current substance use. Conclusion These findings may inform targeted interventions for those most vulnerable to disordered eating. Plain English Summary It is important to track the rates of disordered eating (DE) in vulnerable populations like emerging adults (those who are between the ages of 18 and 25). Many emerging adults attend college, and during this time DE may occur. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to situations, like being isolated from friends and family, that we assume could increase DE. To present data on the rates of DE before and after the start of COVID-19, researchers collected data on whether college students engaged in DE two years before the start of COVID-19 (2019, 2020) and two after COVID-19 (2021, 2022). They considered whether characteristics of the student, like whether they were a man or woman or their race, were related to DE. DE increased significantly after COVID-19. Using one questionnaire, DE was about 38% before COVID-19 and increased to nearly 50% after COVID-19. Across all four years, women and students who thought about suicide were more likely to report DE. It is important to direct resources to students who are experiencing DE – which we now know could be as many as 50%. DE contributes to health problems and can worsen over time, leading to a life-threatening eating disorder.
Improving Teacher Health and Well-Being: Mixed Methods Outcomes Evaluation of the Be Well Care Well Program
(Early Childhood Education Journal, 2024-08-09) Moreland, Angela; Schnake, Kerrie; Lessard, Laura; Davies, Faraday; Prowell, Katelyn; Hubel, Grace S.
Early Care and Education (ECE) providers earn low wages, have limited access to employer sponsored health insurance, and are at higher risk for poor health (Lessard, 2020). Evidence shows that poor ECE teacher physical and mental health is associated with decreased ability to provide quality care for young children (Esquivel et al., 2016). One potential way to improve ECE teacher health is through workplace wellness interventions. Through longitudinal surveys and qualitative interviews with ECE providers, we found that, over the course of a year, ECE providers who participated in Be Well Care Well (BWCW), a 12-month wellness program designed specifically for ECEproviders, improved significantly on measures of personal strength and resilience, worker stress, job satisfaction, motivation towards health, and engagement in physical activity, which was supported by interviews conducted by a subset of teachers. Providers’ physical activity was specifically associated with the amount of time they reported engaging in components of the BWCW intervention. Compelling data was also gathered about the experience of children in the care of ECE providers who participated in BWCW. Findings show that after participating in BWCW, teachers’ interactions with the children in their care proactively facilitate healthy social and emotional development. This provides initial evidence that BWCW is a promising approach for improving the lives of ECE providers and the quality of care they provide to young children.
Comprehensive analysis of a peripheral blood transcriptome signature in piglets infected with Salmonella Typhimurium: insight into immune responses
(Applied Biological Chemistry, 2024-08-19) Bok, Eun-Yeong; Yi, Seung-Won; Lee, Han Gyu; Kim, Jae Kyeom; Lee, Kangwook; Ha, Seungmin; Kim, Bumseok; Jung, Young-Hun; Oh, Sang-Ik
Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) infection in pigs poses a significant threat to animal health and food safety; the intricate mechanisms underlying host–immune responses and pathogen persistence remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we comprehensively analyzed the peripheral blood transcriptome in piglets infected with ST. We performed histopathological evaluation, blood parameter analysis, advanced RNA-sequencing techniques, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR)-based validation. The increasement in the monocyte counts at 2 days post-infection suggested its potential to serve as a hematological marker for ST infection in piglets. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed genes highlighted the pivotal roles of innate and adaptive immune responses, notably in pathways associated with Toll-like receptors, NIK/NF-κB signaling, cytokine signaling, and T cell proliferation. RT-qPCR-based validation using peripheral blood mononuclear cells provided additional insights into the immune system dynamics in response to ST infection, revealing the marked elevation of the interleukin (IL)-15, IL-27, and CXCL10 levels being significantly elevated in ST-infected piglets. Our comprehensive analysis underscores the multifaceted impact of ST infection on piglets and offers valuable insights into the host–pathogen interactions and the role of host immune system during ST infection.
The effectiveness of a neck strengthening program using the NecksLevel ® device in a population of youth female soccer players
(International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, 2024-06-28) O’Reilly, Erin; Delaney, Amanda; Schneider, Jeffrey; Ruggiero, Laurie
Research has shown that neck strengthening exercises can improve neck strength with a direct translation to a reduction in head acceleration during headers. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of a novel neck strengthening program on neck strength and girth in a population of youth female soccer players. Using a contemporary neck strengthening device we examined outcomes in isometric neck strength and neck girth in a cohort of 16 female youth (aged 12) soccer players. Paired samples T-tests were conducted to determine differences between pre-and post-training measures. Right Lateral Bending neck strength improved significantly pre- (16.4±5.0 lb.) to post- (17.1±4.4 lb.) training. Flexion, Extension, and Left Lateral Bending neck strength were also improved. These findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted neck-strengthening exercises in enhancing neck strength among female youth soccer athletes and highlight the importance of comprehensive strategies in concussion prevention.
Associations between Brain Alpha-Tocopherol Stereoisomer Profile and Hallmarks of Brain Aging in Centenarians
(Antioxidants, 2024-08-17) Chan, Jia Pei; Tanprasertsuk, Jirayu; Johnson, Elizabeth J.; Dey, Priyankar; Bruno, Richard S.; Johnson, Mary Ann; Poon, Leonard W.; Davey, Adam; Woodard, John L.; Kuchan, Matthew J.
Brain alpha-tocopherol (αT) concentration was previously reported to be inversely associated with neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) counts in specific brain structures from centenarians. However, the contribution of natural or synthetic αT stereoisomers to this relationship is unknown. In this study, αT stereoisomers were quantified in the temporal cortex (TC) of 47 centenarians in the Georgia Centenarian Study (age: 102.2 ± 2.5 years, BMI: 22.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and then correlated with amyloid plaques (diffuse and neuritic plaques; DPs, NPs) and NFTs in seven brain regions. The natural stereoisomer, RRR-αT, was the primary stereoisomer in all subjects, accounting for >50% of total αT in all but five subjects. %RRR was inversely correlated with DPs in the frontal cortex (FC) (ρ = −0.35, p = 0.032) and TC (ρ = −0.34, p = 0.038). %RSS (a synthetic αT stereoisomer) was positively correlated with DPs in the TC (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.017) and with NFTs in the FC (ρ = 0.37, p = 0.024), TC (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.009), and amygdala (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.008) after controlling for covariates. Neither RRR- nor RSS-αT were associated with premortem global cognition. Even with the narrow and normal range of BMIs, BMI was correlated with %RRR-αT (ρ = 0.34, p = 0.021) and %RSS-αT (ρ = −0.45, p = 0.002). These results providing the first characterization of TC αT stereoisomer profiles in centenarians suggest that DP and NFT counts, but not premortem global cognition, are influenced by the brain accumulation of specific αT stereoisomers. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the potential role of BMI in mediating this relationship.
Device-estimated sleep metrics do not mediate the relation between race and blood pressure dipping in young black and white women
(Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 2024-07-09) D'agata, Michele N.; Hoopes, Elissa K.; Keiser. Thomas; Patterson, Freda; Szymanski, Krista M.; Matias, Alexs A.; Brewer, Benjamin C.; Witman, Melissa A.
Short, disturbed, and irregular sleep may contribute to blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Black women (BLW) demonstrate less BP dipping and poorer sleep health than White women (WHW). However, it remains unclear whether device-estimated sleep health metrics mediate the relation between race and BP dipping in young women. We hypothesized that the relation between race and BP dipping would be partly mediated by sleep health metrics of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep regularity. Participants (20 BLW, 17 WHW) were 18–29 years old, normotensive, nonobese, and without evidence of sleep disorders. Systolic and diastolic BP dipping were derived from 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. Habitual sleep duration and sleep efficiency were estimated via 14 days of wrist actigraphy. Sleep duration regularity was calculated as the standard deviation (SD) of nightly sleep duration (SDSD). Sleep timing regularity metrics were calculated as the SD of sleep onset and sleep midpoint (SMSD). Mediation analysis tested the mediating effect of each sleep metric on the relation between race and BP dipping. BLW experienced less systolic (P = .02) and diastolic (P = .01) BP dipping. Sleep duration (P = .14) was not different between groups. BLW had lower sleep efficiency (P < .01) and higher SDSD (P = .02), sleep onset SD (P < .01) and SMSD (P = .01). No sleep metrics mediated the relation between race and BP dipping (all indirect effects P > .38). In conclusion, mediation pathways of sleep health metrics do not explain racial differences in nocturnal BP dipping between young BLW and WHW.
Associations between anthropometry, body composition, and body image in athletes: a systematic review
(Frontiers in Psychology, 2024-05-13) Webb, Mary D.; Melough, Melissa M.; Earthman, Carrie P.; Katz, Sarah E.; Pacanowski, Carly R.
Introduction: Poor body image is a potent risk factor for disordered eating and eating disorders. Athletes are a population at increased risk for eating disorders despite reports of lower body image concerns compared to non-athletes. Body size and composition may influence an athlete’s susceptibility to poor body image. Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus) were searched to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the association between body measures (i.e., anthropometric and body composition indicators) and body image in athletes. The systematic review was completed following PRISMA guidelines and 27 cross-sectional studies were identified for inclusion and evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: Studies differed in methodological assessment of anthropometry or body composition (i.e., self-reported versus researcher-measured), methods for evaluating aspects of body image, geographic location, and sport type. Higher body mass index (BMI) or percent body fat (%BF) was significantly associated with greater body dissatisfaction in 16 of 22 studies (72.7%). Positive associations between body measures and aspects of negative body image were most consistently observed among studies that assessed BMI based on self-reported heights and weights, while significant associations between body composition measures (e.g., %BF, fat mass, fat-free mass) were less common. Four of seven studies assessing relationships between BMI and an aspect of positive body image reported significant inverse relationships, while three revealed insignificant associations. Discussion: Overall, higher BMI and body fat were associated with body dissatisfaction among athletes. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings within focused populations and utilizing body composition methods (e.g., bioelectrical impedance techniques). Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023446518.
Supporting physical activity adoption through recommender system technology: A pilot study
(Journal of Health Psychology, 2024-04-16) Agans, Jennifer P.; Ma, Fenglong; Schade, Serena; Sciamanna, Christopher
We tested the potential for recommender system technology to provide personalized physical activity (PA) suggestions for inactive young adults with high bodyweight. We developed a recommender system using data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and assessed interest in using the system among 47 young adults (mean age = 23.0 years; 63.4% female; 65.0% White; mean BMI = 29.4). Eleven of these participants (mean age = 23.6 years; 90.9% female, 63.6% White; average BMI = 28.5) also received a PA recommendation and a follow-up interview. Approximately half of the survey participants were willing to use the recommender system, and participants interested in the recommender system differed from those unwilling to try the system (e.g., more likely to be female, worse self-perceived health). Furthermore, eight of the 11 interviewees tried the PA recommended to them, but had mixed reviews of the system’s accuracy. Although our recommender system requires improvements, such systems have promise for supporting PA adoption.
A short-term, randomized, controlled, feasibility study of the effects of different vegetables on the gut microbiota and microRNA expression in infants
(Frontiers in Microbiomes, 2024-03-01) Ferro, Lynn E.; Bittinger, Kyle; Trudo, Sabrina P.; Beane, Kaleigh E.; Polson, Shawn W.; Kim, Jae Kyeom; Trabulsi, Jillian C.
The complementary diet influences the gastrointestinal (gut) microbiota composition and, in turn, host health and, potentially, microRNA (miRNA) expression. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of altering the gut microbial communities with short-term food introduction and to determine the effects of different vegetables on the gut microbiota and miRNA expression in infants. A total of 11 infants were randomized to one of the following intervention arms: control, broccoli, or carrot. The control group maintained the milk diet only, while the other groups consumed either a broccoli puree or a carrot puree on days 1–3 along with their milk diet (human milk or infant formula). Genomic DNA and total RNA were extracted from fecal samples to determine the microbiota composition and miRNA expression. Short-term feeding of both broccoli and carrots resulted in changes in the microbiota and miRNA expression. Compared to the control, a trend toward a decrease in Shannon index was observed in the carrot group on days 2 and 4. The carrot and broccoli groups differed by weighted UniFrac. Streptococcus was increased on day 4 in the carrot group compared to the control. The expression of two miRNAs (i.e., miR-217 and miR-590-5p) trended towards decrease in both the broccoli and carrot groups compared to the control, whereas increases in eight and two different miRNAs were observed in the carrot and broccoli groups, respectively. Vegetable interventions differentially impacted the gut microbiota and miRNA expression, which may be a mechanism by which total vegetable intake and variety are associated with reduced disease risk.

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